Nine Country Music Songs You Need To Hear This Week Featuring Riley Green, Hudson Westbrook, Miranda Lambert With Chris Stapleton & More

Riley Green - Midtown Sessions EP

There’s a certain kind of cool that can’t be taught. Riley Green has it and with the release of his new acoustic EP Midtown Sessions, the CMA and ACM Award-winning country star proves that authenticity, when paired with talent and intention, hits harder than any flashy production ever could. Midtown Sessions is a masterclass in raw, no-frills storytelling. The five-track collection is the kind of project that doesn’t just showcase an artist, it reveals him. Produced by longtime collaborator Erik Dylan, the EP follows the success of Green’s full-length album Don’t Mind If I Do, and continues his steady ascent as one of modern country’s most grounded and genuinely compelling voices. But what sets Midtown Sessions apart is the way it leans into who Riley Green is at his core. These aren’t tracks that beg for radio polish or arena smoke. Instead, they spotlight a Southern songwriter who knows that the weight of a lyric, the grit of a vocal, and the pull of a melody can carry more emotion when you trust the silence in between. Green steps into the producer’s seat himself on two of the EP’s most soul-baring cuts the solo-written “Worst Way” and “Jesus Saves.” “Worst Way,” already a certified Double PLATINUM hit and his fifth career No. 1, somehow finds even more emotional traction in this stripped-down form. With every note, you can hear the ache that made it a fan favorite in the first place. “Jesus Saves” is equally moving, a quiet gut punch that turns reflection into reverence without ever overreaching. The EP also includes an intimate rendition of Tim McGraw’s classic “The Cowboy in Me,” a nod to the ‘90s country that shaped Green’s sound and sensibility. It’s less a cover and more a conversation, a passing of the torch from one era of Southern songwriting to another. Green handles it with the kind of respect and restraint that defines the entire project. From its inception on the road, during a relentless tour schedule that’s taken Green across continents Midtown Sessions feels lived-in. It’s music that smells like sawdust and diesel, that sounds like an old friend talking over a drink, that reminds you that sometimes, the best songs aren’t the ones dressed up they’re the ones laid bare. There’s no trickery here, no attempt to chase trends or fit in a box. Midtown Sessions is a confident, quietly bold move from an artist who knows exactly who he is. In a world full of noise, Riley Green just gave country music something real and that’s the kind of cool you can’t fake.

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton - A Song To Sing

Country music has always cherished the art of the duet, from George and Tammy to Dolly and Kenny, the right voices paired at the right time can create a kind of magic that lingers across decades. Now, two of the genre’s most iconic voices have added a new chapter to that legacy. Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, longtime friends and chart-topping titans, have joined forces for their first true duet collaboration, “A Song To Sing,” and it might just be the duet of the year. Out now on all streaming platforms and impacting country radio starting Monday, July 14, “A Song To Sing” is a stirring blend of grit and grace. Written by Lambert, Stapleton, Jesse Frasure, and fiddle virtuoso Jenee Fleenor, the track unfolds like a heartfelt letter from the road, one written in the ink of truth, resilience, and enduring love. Set against a backdrop of smoky Wurlitzer tones, shimmering guitar licks, and an easy shuffle that recalls the golden era of '70s country, the track’s production leans into a rich, timeless sound. But the true centerpiece is the vocal interplay between Lambert and Stapleton. Trading verses like seasoned storytellers and blending into one powerful harmony on the chorus, they deliver a message that speaks to the soul of every artist and every lover who’s ever stood by one. For Lambert, whose career has thrived on authenticity and edge, and Stapleton, whose gravel-soaked voice has become synonymous with raw emotion, “A Song To Sing” captures their strengths in perfect sync. It’s a love letter to country music. It’s a nod to the genre’s storied past and a bold step into its future. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that when the right two voices find each other, all it takes is one song to sing  and the world listens. Classic from the start, “A Song To Sing” feels destined to become a new standard in the country duet canon.

Hudson Westbrook - Damn Good Taste In Whiskey

Rising Texas star Hudson Westbrook is shaking up the country music scene with his latest single, “Damn Good Taste In Whiskey.” Released under River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville, this track is a tantalizing glimpse into his forthcoming debut album, Texas Forever, set to drop on July 25. As Westbrook continues to captivate audiences with his authentic country sound, it’s clear that his meteoric rise is far from slowing down. Written by Westbrook alongside fellow country artist Randy Montana, “Damn Good Taste In Whiskey” strikes the perfect balance between heartbreak and humor. Nestled as the tenth track on the highly anticipated album, the song serves as a mid-tempo barstool anthem that playfully reflects on the pitfalls of love, regret, and, of course, whiskey. With lyrics like, “I guess I like things that burn my chest, leave a heart full of hurt with a shot of regret," Westbrook doesn’t shy away from the raw and relatable moments that so many listeners have faced. The song’s clever juxtaposition, where the rough edges of heartache meet the soothing burn of a good drink resonates on multiple levels. Westbrook’s vocal delivery, backed by Randy Montana’s co-writing prowess, taps into the universal theme of finding solace in the bittersweet, offering a fun yet poignant anthem for those navigating the rough roads of love and loss. Set against a backdrop of sold-out stadiums and high-octane performances, Westbrook’s trajectory is undeniably on the rise. As the Texas-native prepares to launch Texas Forever, there’s little doubt that this album will further cement his status as one of country music’s most promising new voices. Whether you're at the bar or reflecting on a past relationship, “Damn Good Taste In Whiskey” is the perfect soundtrack to your next unforgettable night. As sold-out stadiums continue to beckon, it’s clear that Hudson Westbrook’s moment is just beginning.

Greylan James - Water At A Wedding

The best country songs aren’t just catchy. they cut deep. They’re built on truth, wrapped in tension, and delivered with a quiet kind of devastation. That’s the signature of ACM Award-winning singer-songwriter Greylan James, and in his brand-new single, “Water At A Wedding,” he does it again with startling precision. Written by James alongside songwriting powerhouses Chase McGill and Matt Dragstrem, and produced by longtime collaborator Jason Massey, “Water At A Wedding” is not your average love song. It’s a masterclass in storytelling that peels back the polished surface of a wedding day to reveal something far more complicated underneath. At first listen, the song lures you in with a soft, emotional tone, painting a picture of a bride moments away from walking down the aisle. But something's off. As James sings, the uneasiness builds  not with drama, but with subtle, gut-twisting detail. Each verse delivers more than it lets on: the mention of a late-night visit, the memory of two pink lines, a quiet kind of panic hiding just beneath the lace and flowers. It’s the kind of song that rewards close listening. James carefully unveils each lyric like a slow pull on a thread, letting the tension rise with every breath. Then comes the bridge, a lyrical left hook that flips everything on its head. In one chilling moment, the full truth surfaces, and the entire song is reframed. It’s the kind of moment that makes you stop in your tracks and hit repeat, just to experience the twist all over again. James has long been celebrated for his raw lyricism and soul-stirring delivery, but this track might be his most emotionally gripping to date. Greylan James cements his place among the country music storytellers who aren’t afraid to show the cracks in the foundation. Because sometimes, the most powerful moments come not from what’s said at the altar, but from the secrets that never make it there.

Pecos & The Rooftops - Burnpile

Texas has always had a reputation for doing things big, and rising country-rock sextet Pecos & The Rooftops are no exception. The platinum-certified powerhouse just dropped their latest single, “Burnpile”, a darkly cathartic, unapologetically twisted revenge fantasy that ignites with as much grit as it does gasoline. Once again teaming up with longtime producer Andrew Baylis alongside Dan Pellarin, the band leans full tilt into the theatrical and the thrilling. And leading the charge is frontman, guitarist, and chief songwriter Pecos Hurley, who turns heartbreak and betrayal into a red-hot blaze of blistering hooks and explosive lyrics. A sunny acoustic intro lulls the listener in with a deceptive sweetness before detonating into an arena-sized chorus packed with venom, smoke, and soul-scorching honesty. Hurley doesn’t hold back, delivering lines like “I hope you choke on the smoke. Now you can cheat with a ghost,” with a sly smile and the swagger of a man who’s long since dropped the matches. The single marks the final teaser before the band’s long-awaited album drops, and if this track is any indication, the full record promises to be equally bold, brutally honest, and sonically massive. Whether you find “Burnpile” a bit disturbing or totally relatable, that’s the point. It’s not about sugarcoating the darker sides of love and loss it’s about confronting them with volume, truth, and a whole lot of guitar firepower.

Alyssa Flaherty - Heartbreak, Thank You

There’s a new voice emerging in country music, one that’s turning the tables on heartbreak with honesty, grit, and an unexpected sense of gratitude. Rising singer-songwriter Alyssa Flaherty makes a bold entrance with her debut EP Heartbreak, Thank You, a five-track confessional that reshapes the narrative of romantic ruin into one of empowerment and growth. Co-writing each of the EP’s songs, Flaherty offers more than just catchy melodies and poignant lyrics she offers a roadmap to healing. Rather than wallow in sorrow, Heartbreak, Thank You leans into the sting of betrayal, only to rise from the ashes stronger, wiser, and undeniably self-assured. “Broken By You,” captures the shock and devastation that marks the moment everything falls apart. Flaherty’s vocals cut through the silence like a gut punch, raw and real. “Know You By Heart” follows closely behind, taking listeners deeper into the disorientation of losing not just a partner, but a piece of herself. Yet, just when the EP risks falling into heartbreak cliché, Flaherty pivots. “Better Memory” is the introspective centerpiece, where self-reflection replaces blame, and healing quietly begins to bloom. With understated production and lyrical vulnerability, it’s a moment that feels both universal and deeply personal. By the time the EP reaches “Lucky You,” Flaherty has shaken off the sorrow and stepped fully into her power. It’s a kiss-off with class, not bitter, but better. The closing title track, “Heartbreak, Thank You,” seals the transformation. Rather than resenting the pain, Flaherty expresses gratitude for the experience that reshaped her into the person she is now. Alyssa Flaherty has arrived with a voice that’s tender but tenacious, and a perspective that’s refreshingly wise. In a genre that thrives on storytelling, she’s telling hers with courage, clarity, and just the right amount of country sass.

Ty Myers - Leaving Carolina

Ty Myers isn’t just riding a wave of momentum in 2025, he’s helping shape its tide. The Austin-bred breakout artist, fresh off a sold-out headlining tour and now boasting over half a billion global streams, is proving that lightning can, in fact, strike more than once. With the release of his latest single “Leaving Carolina,” Myers continues his fast-track ascent into the upper echelon of modern country. With “Leaving Carolina,” Myers leans into the power of place, both musically and thematically. The song was cut at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a hallowed creative ground that has birthed some of the most soul-stirring records in American music history. Guided by producer Brandon Hood and co-written with Braydon Watts, the track exudes the raw, lived-in honesty that has become a hallmark of Myers’ storytelling. And it’s a story worth leaning into. “Leaving Carolina” opens in a hush steel guitar sighs over warm, measured percussion. Then, Myers’ voice enters, rich and smoky, delivering lyrics that ache with emotional dissonance. Is he the one walking away, or is he the one being left behind? That central question "Am I leaving Carolina / Or is Carolina leaving me?”lands with the kind of emotional weight that lingers long after the final note fades. The track masterfully balances the sweeping scope of cinematic country with the emotional grit of Southern soul. Lush choral harmonies swirl around Myers’ voice like a gospel-tinged storm, elevating the heartbreak to near-spiritual heights. A buttery guitar solo slides in just before the final chorus, bending notes with the kind of precision that mirrors the tension in the song’s central dilemma. As Myers continues to sharpen his vision and expand his sound, “Leaving Carolina” marks yet another leap forward. It’s a song built not just on heartbreak, but on heart. And if this release is any indication of what’s next, Ty Myers isn’t just setting the bar for next-gen country, he’s becoming the benchmark.

Brooke Lee Featuring Lukas Nelson - Dandelion

Brooke Lee has never been one to shy away from writing from the heart, but with her latest release, she steps even deeper into vulnerability armed with hope, grit, and an unexpected funk twist. Out now via Spirit Nashville Recordings, “Dandelion” sees the rising Nashville-based singer-songwriter team up with none other than Lukas Nelson, delivering a summer anthem that feels as grounded as it does transcendent. Born from hardship but blossoming with resilience, the song is both an emotional tribute and a buoyant celebration. Originally penned as an anthem about pushing through adversity, “Dandelion” has since grown into something even more personal. Following the passing of her grandfather earlier this year, Lee reshaped the meaning of the track, imbuing it with a deeper sense of reflection and gratitude. The result is a song that dances in the sunlight of memory, rooted in pain but reaching for something higher. Nelson, known for his genre-blending swagger and unmistakable groove, brings a cosmic warmth to the production. His signature guitar work lends an almost ethereal atmosphere, perfectly complementing Lee’s soulful vocals. Together, they create a sound that feels like vintage vinyl spinning on a front porch, familiar, comforting, and brimming with life. “Dandelion” isn’t just a song for summer drives and golden hour playlists. It’s a message in a bottle for anyone who’s ever had to start over, bloom again, or find beauty in broken places. Brooke Lee proves she’s not only one to watch but one to root for and with Lukas Nelson by her side, “Dandelion” takes flight as one of the most quietly powerful collaborations of the season.

Cody Cozz - Cab Of My Truck

Cody Cozz is no stranger to singing his truth, but with his new single “Cab of My Truck,” the rising country force doesn’t just sing it  he lives it. A potent blend of grit and vulnerability, this latest release is a late-night confession wrapped in steel strings, neon glow, and the kind of heartbreak that still lingers long after the dust settles. Written by Cozz alongside Brent McCollough, “Cab of My Truck” is less about moving on and more about the magnetic pull of what could’ve been. It’s the ache of memory colliding with the heat of the present, a story rooted in one real moment and expanded into something universally human. Cozz paints that picture in full-color heartbreak, singing, “This pain you put me through / It burns like 90 proof,” as he revisits a former flame through the rearview mirror of regret. Electric guitars wail like a restless heart, and Cozz’s voice, weathered, raw, yet remarkably composed guides listeners through the emotional storm. His delivery is measured, never overly theatrical, which only makes the vulnerability feel that much more authentic. More than just a breakup anthem, “Cab of My Truck” is a striking showcase of Cozz’s ability to blur the lines between personal diary and country radio gold. He doesn’t just chase emotions he catches them, examines them, and invites us to feel them too. And it’s in that emotional honesty where Cozz continues to carve out his place in modern country music. With a voice that knows the weight of a story and a pen sharp enough to tell it, Cody Cozz is emerging as a name to remember, one verse, one vulnerable moment, and one unforgettable late-night truck cab confession at a time.

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